One of our favorite things to do at the KC Chamber is give regional businesses the public kudos, recognition and encouragement that they deserve. We do this every year for amazing small businesses, companies that serve as role models in diversity and inclusion, and businesses that are going the extra mile to create a healthy workplace.
The KC Chamber is proud to name Café Corazón as the 2026 Small Business of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Mr. K Award.
Café Corazón is a Latin and Indigenous family-owned coffee shop serving ethically sourced coffee, teas, and food that celebrate cultural heritage. With three KC locations, Café Corazón is a hub for community, creativity, and sustainability.
MADE MOBB is a Kansas City based streetwear brand rooted in collaboration and community. Through locally inspired designs and creative partnerships, the brand produces culture-driven pieces that celebrate the people, neighborhoods, and stories shaping the city.
Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate is a family-inspired Kansas City brand blending premium self-serve frozen yogurt with handcrafted chocolates and gourmet caramel apples. We’re building a next-generation dessert experience that brings people together, celebrates family, and creates sweet moments in our community… one scoop, one chocolate, and one apple at a time.
Gray Ram Tactical, LLC is an internationally recognized safety, security, and leadership consulting firm specializing in school protection, pupil transportation, executive protection, and emergency preparedness. With nearly two decades of global experience, it delivers practical training, assessments, and strategic guidance to organizations seeking safer operations worldwide.
encompas is a Women-Owned provider of contract furniture and architectural products – everything from ideation to designing, to ordering, installing, and follow-up service. Trusted by A+D firms, contractors, and organizations nationwide, we make the process enjoyable through our expert project management and collaborative approach.
IT-RA ICONS is a KC-based public art and mural studio founded by Isaac Tapia and Rodrigo Alvarez. Since 2017, they’ve created over 60 vibrant murals, with custom designs for cities, schools, and nonprofits. They champion public access, cultural relevance, and lasting community impact.
Each year at the POWER of Diversity Breakfast, the KC Chamber presents the Champion of Diversity Award, recognizing a regional business that has made an impactful commitment to embrace diversity in their workplace, diversity supplier partnerships, and the community. This Champion of Diversity business will be able to demonstrate their organizational practices are inclusive of all people. The 2025 Champion of Diversity is reStart Inc.
This award goes to a company that has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations and a record of giving back to the community.
In addition to the Small Business of the Year Award, the KC Chamber now presents four additional awards for small business excellence. These awards are announced at the conclusion of the Small Business Celebration, the KC Chamber’s Small Business Awards Luncheon, each May.
Legacy of Kansas City Award: This award is directed towards honoring longevity, quality products and/or services, and community service in small businesses more than 15 years old in the Kansas City region.
Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award: The Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award recognizes a small business who exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforce, business practices, and efforts in the community.
Emerging Small Business of the Year Award: This award recognizes a company that is less than three years old and demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation and determination.
Paul Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year: This award will go to a small business that recognizes the importance of entering the international marketplace and succeeds in creating a global footprint for our region. (first awarded in 2016)
In order to be a Top 10 or Small Business Award candidate, you must meet the following criteria:
In order to be a part of this opportunity, you will need to prepare a few items for your award application:
The application is available now. For questions regarding the Small Business Awards Application, call (816) 374-5458 or email kulikov@www.kcchamber.com
The exposure your company gains from participating in the Small Business Celebration is unequaled in the KC region including a complimentary exhibit table at the Candidates’ Showcase event, features in various media outlets, and visibility in KC Chamber publications and website. The Top 10 Small Businesses also participate in a CEO panel discussion to share best practices and insights on successes, obstacles, and company achievements with KC leaders. Additionally, you’ll become well connected with fellow nominees and Small Business Award alumni.
Overall, the small business awards process provides your company the opportunity for brand exposure, access to key business leaders, team camaraderie, and strategic planning. Be sure to give the application a look. Even if you don’t think you’d qualify for Small Business of the Year, you may find yourself in the running for one of our additional awards. The Candidates’ Showcase networking alone and Chamber connections you’ll make through the process can be most valuable.
Legacy of Kansas City Award: This award is directed towards honoring longevity, quality products and/or services, and community service in small businesses more than 15 years old in the Kansas City region.
Emerging Business Award: This award recognizes a company that is less than three years old and demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation and determination.
Small Business Equity Award: This award recognizes a small business who exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforce, business practices, and efforts in the community.
Paul Weida International Small Business Award: This award will go to a small business that recognizes the importance of entering the international marketplace and succeeds in creating a global footprint for our region. (first awarded in 2016)
The Luminary Arts & Creatives Small Business Award: This award will go to an artist founded and/or artist-run businesses that produce original work and products and who maintain individual ownership of its intellectual property.
The KC Chamber loves to help small businesses make important connections and find appropriate resources to help their companies grow. You can start by contacting Vicky Kulikov, Director of Small Business, at (816) 374-5458 or kulikov@www.kcchamber.com.
The Small Business Celebration is a series of events that supports and celebrates the small business community within the Kansas City region. It is recognized as one of the largest Chamber small business celebrations in the United States.
Small businesses who align with the KC Chamber will find their voice amplified in Washington D.C., Jefferson City, Topeka, and KCMO City Hall. You can browse our Public Policy Agendas to learn more about the Chamber’s specific small business priorities.
